Tree Crew Field Operations Manager

About Us

High Lonesome Timber is a small business located at the base of the Black Mountains in the Toe River Valley near Burnsville, NC. We provide high-quality tree care to Yancey and Mitchell Counties. We are a safe, professional, and conscientious company using modern methodology to keep our clients’ trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. On a larger scale, we work with the National Park Service and US Forest Service to protect and maintain the public lands that make our region so special. We are seeking self-motivated individuals with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and the ability to perform physical tasks in a team-oriented environment.

Why Work Here

• Work outdoors every day in beautiful Western North Carolina
• Competitive pay, commensurate with skills, experience, and certifications.
• Living Wage Certified employer.
• Consistent year-round employment.
• Retirement with company match after one year.
• Supportive and inclusive team environment that values skill, safety, and integrity.
• Flexible time off
• 4/10 schedule

Basic Requirements For All Field Positions

• Ability to lift heavy objects (50+ lbs) and work in physically demanding conditions.
• A strong commitment to safety and following OSHA / ANSI standards.
• Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with diverse clients and coworkers.
• Willingness to learn and grow in the tree care industry.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions (rain, heat, cold).
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to reliably commute to work and show up on time.
• Ability to comply with drug and alcohol free workplace requirements
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Primary Responsibilities for Field Operations Manager

Field Operations & Scheduling

• Develop and manage the weekly crew schedule based on upcoming jobs, crew availability, equipment needs, weather, and job requirements.
• Coordinate the field schedule with the administrative manager so customers receive timely and accurate scheduling information.
• Ensure crews arrive at jobs prepared with the appropriate personnel, equipment, tools, and materials.

Crew Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to the field crew.
• Assign daily tasks and ensure crew members understand their responsibilities.
• Maintain a safe, professional, productive, and respectful work environment.
• Participate with the owner in employee performance reviews and hiring/firing decisions.

Safety & Quality Control

• Be present and actively involved in field operations to oversee job-site safety and quality.
• Conduct and/or oversee job-site hazard assessments and daily safety meetings.
• Ensure employees follow company safety procedures and applicable industry safety standards.
• Monitor work practices and intervene when unsafe conditions or practices are identified.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets High Lonesome Timber's standards before the crew leaves the job site.
• Identify problems with work quality or job execution and take corrective action when appropriate.

Equipment & Fleet Management

• Inspect and monitor all company equipment, including chainsaws, climbing and rigging equipment, trucks, trailers, chippers, skid steers, and other machinery.
• Schedule and/or perform routine preventative maintenance / Coordinate repairs when equipment breaks down.
• Purchase routine maintenance supplies, fuel, replacement parts, and replacement equipment.

Hands-On Tree Care Work

• Be capable of performing a variety of tree-care and grounds-work tasks as needed including chainsaw work, brush and debris handling, equipment operation, rigging, cleanup, and other field tasks.
• Fill in for crew members when needed due to scheduling, illness, vacation, or other circumstances.
• Climbing experience is beneficial but is not required.

Customer Relations

• Serve as the primary company representative for customers while work is being performed onsite.
• Address and resolve basic customer questions or concerns when possible.

Qualifications

Required:

• Approximately 3–5 years of experience in tree care, arboriculture, landscaping, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and organize people effectively.
• Ability to coordinate multiple jobs, employees, equipment, and changing priorities.
• Practical understanding of tree-care operations and the work performed by tree crews.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on field work.
• Ability to safely operate common tree-care equipment and tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound day-to-day operational decisions.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions and varying weather.

Preferred:

• Previous experience supervising or managing a tree-care crew.
• Experience with scheduling field crews or production operations.
• Experience operating chippers, skid steers, trucks, trailers, or other tree-care equipment.
• Chainsaw experience.
• Climbing and rigging experience.
• Experience performing preventive maintenance and coordinating equipment repairs.
• Familiarity with industry safety standards and best practices.
• ISA Arborist certification or other relevant professional credentials.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person